Returned after 86 Years

David Harris, the Patron of the Martinborough Collie Club, was surprised at the return of a cup which the Club had presented to Bob McLeod for his outright win with his dog ‘Trim’ in 1930.

As this had been a one off rather than annual event on the Club’s competitive calendar the cup remained Bob McLeod’s to keep until it was recently discovered by his niece Barbara McPhail who returned it to the Club.
The cup had been donated by Gordon Thompson the Public Trust Supervisor at the time and a well regarded dog expert.

The Martinborough Collie Club is probably New Zealand’s oldest competitive dog club, it was established a hundred and twenty years ago -and is still going very strong. Currently three members, John Harvey, John Linton and Stu Henson, have qualified for the New Zealand Nationals “ we hope they come home with a smile on their faces” remarked David.

David, who along with wife Carol are both Honoury Life Members of the Club, first competed in 1960 . He has always enjoyed the competition and says that he thinks he enjoys it even more these days. He remarked that on the whole people do not realise the very important part these working dogs play in the New Zealand economy.

The Club’s annual competitions will be held on the 10th and 11th of April
on the land of Bob and Adi McMaster and Mel and Ed Handyside. (commencing at 7.30 am). The Club warmly welcomes visitors who would like to come and spend some time on either or both days watching these very clever dogs showing off their skills. “you’ll find you are very welcome indeed” said David “ Just follow Ferry Road south out of Martinborough for about 6km then turn left into Dry River Road then travel about 8km to the competitions – the last couple of kms are on metal road, it’s just past the lime works”.